Is inserting a steel wool ball into a car's exhaust pipe harmful to the vehicle?
2 Answers
It is extremely harmful. It causes poor exhaust flow and reduces high-speed performance. Below are the reasons why inserting steel wool into a car's exhaust pipe is harmful: 1. The exhaust pipe is equipped with devices for vibration damping, noise reduction, easy installation, and extending the lifespan of the exhaust muffler system. It is installed between the engine exhaust manifold and the muffler, providing a flexible connection for the entire exhaust system. 2. It increases the cylinder pressure in the engine, reducing its service life. 3. The function of the exhaust pipe is to expel gases, as the engine naturally requires both intake and exhaust. 4. The combustion of the air-fuel mixture in the engine cylinders produces exhaust gases and noise, which are mitigated by the muffler and air purifier. 5. Some vehicles enhance horsepower by adding a turbocharger at the exhaust pipe location. This reduces exhaust resistance, and the exhaust pipe outlet is positioned at the bottom or rear of the vehicle.
Someone asked me about stuffing steel wool into the exhaust pipe. Honestly, this is practically car abuse. The exhaust system is like the car's respiratory tract—blocking it traps exhaust gases, forcing the engine to work overtime. I once saw a car owner try this trick, and within two kilometers, the throttle felt sluggish, and the idle was shaking like a leaf. Upon inspection, the exhaust pipe was glowing red, and the oxygen sensor was fried. What's scarier is that continuing to drive like this could overheat the engine and cause cylinder seizure, with repairs costing at least several thousand yuan. Even for modified cars, this method is purely a case of 'drinking poison to quench thirst.'
